Bored With Your Curtains? Try These 12 Alternatives
Filter light and views while drawing the eye by dressing windows in specialty glass, artistic screens or snazzy shades
One way to add pattern to a room is at the windows. This is typically done with fabric, whether it’s voluminous swaths of drapery or tailored, functional shades. Both are excellent options, but there are other possibilities as well.
The windows themselves can form interesting patterns. Leaded glass and stained glass are traditional solutions, but industrial windows and doors can create a similar effect – though in a much more contemporary way. And then there are etched glass, screens, awnings and more. These not only manipulate the light coming in but create shadows as well.
The windows themselves can form interesting patterns. Leaded glass and stained glass are traditional solutions, but industrial windows and doors can create a similar effect – though in a much more contemporary way. And then there are etched glass, screens, awnings and more. These not only manipulate the light coming in but create shadows as well.
2. Metal screens
Water jet-cut aluminium screens cast swirling arabesques of shadow and light on these floor-to-ceiling windows.
Here’s how to use flexible screens and partitions
Water jet-cut aluminium screens cast swirling arabesques of shadow and light on these floor-to-ceiling windows.
Here’s how to use flexible screens and partitions
3. Sculptural screening
An algae-inspired sculpture hangs in front of a window wall like curtains here, adding interest and texture to this bright loft space.
An algae-inspired sculpture hangs in front of a window wall like curtains here, adding interest and texture to this bright loft space.
4. Privacy patterns
This intricate stained glass pattern not only provides privacy in this very traditional room, but it softens the harsh sunlight to protect the delicate woods and fabrics.
Check out these surprising ways to use stained glass at home
This intricate stained glass pattern not only provides privacy in this very traditional room, but it softens the harsh sunlight to protect the delicate woods and fabrics.
Check out these surprising ways to use stained glass at home
5. Ethnic roller shades
Roller shades printed with a Moroccan zellige pattern (a mosaic tile work made from individually chiseled geometric tiles set into a plaster base) add ethnic interest to this spare loft, while assuring privacy from neighbours.
Roller shades printed with a Moroccan zellige pattern (a mosaic tile work made from individually chiseled geometric tiles set into a plaster base) add ethnic interest to this spare loft, while assuring privacy from neighbours.
6. Metal-framed doors
Factory-style metal doors take a no-nonsense, geometric approach to fenestration. The raw metal frames are reminiscent of Mondrian paintings.
Factory-style metal doors take a no-nonsense, geometric approach to fenestration. The raw metal frames are reminiscent of Mondrian paintings.
7. Round stained glass
A contemporary, colourful stained glass oculus is the focal point of this very white space. It’s a bold choice and a successful one.
A contemporary, colourful stained glass oculus is the focal point of this very white space. It’s a bold choice and a successful one.
8. Patterned shades
Tucked behind full-height ecru draperies, a patterned shade adds just the right touch of interest to this serene bedroom. Note that it doesn’t match the link-patterned carpet, but is an equal companion to it.
Take a look at these 8 clever window dressings
Tucked behind full-height ecru draperies, a patterned shade adds just the right touch of interest to this serene bedroom. Note that it doesn’t match the link-patterned carpet, but is an equal companion to it.
Take a look at these 8 clever window dressings
9. Laser-cut panels
This is a bold new take on the classic cafe curtain: Laser-cut wood panels that slide over the windows to provide privacy and light control. Roll them onto the blank wall and they become art pieces.
This is a bold new take on the classic cafe curtain: Laser-cut wood panels that slide over the windows to provide privacy and light control. Roll them onto the blank wall and they become art pieces.
10. Awesome awnings
This boldly striped awning is a witty alternative to the typical valance.
This boldly striped awning is a witty alternative to the typical valance.
12. Bottle glass
Coloured glass fill the windows of this wine room, echoing the shapes of the vintage bottles nearby. The effect is not only beautiful but practical as well, since the wine is protected from direct sunlight.
Read more:
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
Tell us:
Have you used an alternative to curtains in your home? Share images and tell us about it in the Comments below.
Coloured glass fill the windows of this wine room, echoing the shapes of the vintage bottles nearby. The effect is not only beautiful but practical as well, since the wine is protected from direct sunlight.
Read more:
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
Tell us:
Have you used an alternative to curtains in your home? Share images and tell us about it in the Comments below.
These beautiful leaded glass windows lend a moody, dramatic air to this Arts and Crafts style room. Though these kinds of windows aren’t for everyone, they are a wonderful example of how the design of a room can be incorporated into the windows.